Gastric Bypass Surgery Story — Richard and Diane Suriano

Diane Suriano was desperate.

Frustrated by failed diets, barely able to walk, and struggling with numerous health issues — including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, sleep apnea, pulmonary hypertension, and an enlarged heart — she felt bariatric surgery was her only option.

“I couldn’t walk to the mailbox without stopping to catch my breath. I knew I was going to end up an invalid, or worse."

“It’s not just about weight loss. Diabetes can be normalized within 48 hours. In six months, we can see dramatic changes in a patient’s cholesterol levels, movement, and quality of life,” Dr. Myers says.

Richard's Bariatric Patient Story — Taking Control of His Life

Inspired by his wife’s dramatic turnaround — which included taking a job and walking so fast he couldn’t keep up — Diane’s husband Richard, 68, decided to have the same gastric bypass procedure.

Although facing fewer health issues, Richard was morbidly obese at 305 pounds and had high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and a chronic staph infection in his leg he had battled for 20 years with a low-dose antibiotic.

Since his February 2012 surgery, Richard:

Has dropped more than 100 pounds

Reduced his BMI from 45 to 29

No longer takes medication

Now fits into his favorite size 38 jeans, which hung in his closet for 20 years

Winning Their Battle

“Never in a million years did I think I could get back to this weight. I have more energy, I can work in the yard and I can bend at the waist,” says Richard.

Diane adds, “We can put our arms around each other and dance again.”

Note: This patient's treatment and results may not be representative of all similar cases.

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